It sees competitors complete the two lengths without using a single recognisable swimming stroke, relying solely on the power they can generate using their flippers.

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Secondary school art teacher Neil Rutter, of Swindon, Wilts, retained his world title for a third year running in the bank holiday sun, with temperatures reaching 23 degrees Celsius.

The 34-year-old world record holder completed the course in one minute and 21 seconds, three seconds slower than last year’s effort.

The event took place today at Waen Rhydd bog on the outskirts of the the UK’s smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales.

One man came as a flamingo (Picture: Reuters)

Another was an elephant (Picture: Reuters)

Competitors must breathe through a snorkel (Picture: Reuters)

Camilla Barnard, co-founder and director at Rude Health, said: ‘We hardly ever sponsor anything but if I could imagine up an activity which totally encapsulates the Rude Health energy, it would be this.

‘Bog snorkelling is fun, inclusive, batty and competitively uncompetitive. It couldn’t be more in rude health.’

Bob Greenough, more commonly known as Bob From The Bog, has worked for Green Events, the World Bog Snorkelling Championship organisers, since 2007.

He added: ‘Bog snorkelling is utterly ridiculous and it’s for everyone, all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes.

‘The championships attract serious athletes but also lots of people in fancy dress who are there to make fun of themselves.’